The subtitle of this book--The Pacifism, Communalism and Vegetarianism of
Primitive Christianity, more accurately describes the scope of this work than
does the main title.

In his book, Vaclavik presents the historical record of the early Church
Fathers; a record which shows that prior to 300 A.D., pacifism was a hallmark of
Christianity and vegetarianism was a recognized characteristic among many of
Jesus' followers.

For the most part, the sources the author uses to document his position are
the records that have been accepted by generations of Christian historians. But
these traditionalists uphold a militant Christianity from which all traces of
the mandatory nonviolence--which Jesus taught--have been removed. Vaclavik
brings to light those teachings which have been repressed, or ignored.

He traces the historical record of these teachings from the time of
Phythagorus in the sixth century B.C., and shows how they affected Judaism and
then Christianity through the people known as Esssenes. The discovery of the
Dead Sea Scrolls, which document the existence of the Essenes, are examined by
Vaclaik, and give important evidence that an attitude of nonviolence toward both
human and nonhuman beings, was an important part of religious life in Palestine,
in the time of Jesus.

“Perhaps the time has come when the pacifying effect upon the
human soul of the diet free from the flesh of animals must be
explored in a new “holy experiment.” When all efforts at eliminating
war from human endeavors fail, is it not time to begin to ascend the
first step of the ladder leading to the Peaceable Kingdom, and no
longer partake of anything that once had life.”

From the Introduction
to The Vegetarianism of Jesus Christ.

Even for the person who is well-educated in the philosophical/theological
traditions of our Judeo-Christian heritage, this book is startling in its
revelation of the antiquity of the kinds of issues that many think have surfaced
only in our contemporary culture. It shows that the concern for animals and the
practice of vegetarianism, like the effort to outlaw slavery, are not new. They
have been part of the ongoing struggle against violence and brutality that has
its roots in antiquity.

Although not everyone will agree with some of the conclusions that Vaclavik
derives from his research, the wealth of information he provides allows readers
to draw their own conclusions. And anyone who reads this book will learn much
about the teachings of Jesus Christ, and the subsequent perversion of those
teachings by those who have claimed to be His representatives. #